Learning to use SERVIR tools and MODIS products

The SERVIR-Himalaya Initiative of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) organized a five-day training on SERVIR science applications with special focus on MODIS products.

The training brought together partners from the regional member countries to familiarize them with different science applications that have been developed under the SERVIR-Himalaya Initiative. The meeting also sought feedback on applications and explored opportunities to further mainstream and widen the use of SERVIR science applications.

The training was conducted by ICIMOD experts and covered science applications developed to promote access to high quality, user-tailored tools and information services that are focused on ICIMOD’s thematic areas: agricultural monitoring, land cover and biomass, forest fire detection, and disaster management. The sessions focused more on MODIS products including data processing, and the ways in which the products are integrated into SERVIR applications.

Conducted with a mix of lectures and hands-on sessions, the participants were able to learn about the background of each tool, how each of these tools work, and with what kind of data. Thirty officials and researchers from various organizations and institutes in ICIMOD’s member countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Myanmar attended the training from 20 to 24 July.

Most participants were new to MODIS products and were eager to implement the skills in their work.

“The training has increased my knowledge about SERVIR science applications and how MODIS data can be used in different research areas,” said Sarah Bashir who works with UNWFP, Pakistan. “I am looking forward to using SERVIR methodology to develop a similar data portal in my workplace.”

Another participant, Hari Prasad Regmi, who works with Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture Development, said MODIS data will complement the Department’s work in preparing an agriculture atlas and providing regular updates for agro-advisory service for farmers.

Participants from Bhutan, Kirtan Adhikari and Tshering, said the processed data from MODIS can be used directly for various planning purposes.

SERVIR is a joint development initiative of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), working in partnership with leading regional organizations around the globe. SERVIR helps those most in need of tools for managing climate risks and landuse. SERVIR’s activities in the HKH region are implemented by ICIMOD.